Non-verbal Communication is an extremely common form of language. It is a form of communication where words are determined by interpretation of certain situations or images that individuals’ interactions may relay. Since most people do not understand non-verbal communication it would be wise to investigate how people perceive this habit. An experiment is conducted in an elevator to affirm some of the non-verbal communication elements. Upon entry to the elevator I will start the conversation facing the back of the elevator while I do not establish eye contact with the individual. The day being extremely hot I will wear a woolen jacket, gum boots and hold an umbrella. Non-verbal communication rules are in born since most people are conversant to the rules.
Some non-verbal communication rules are in born and people are always conscience of these rules. The first rule that I broke states “Upon entering an elevator, turn to the door and stare at it or at the numbers indicating where the elevator is until your floor is reached.” The individual was aware of the common behavior when one enters into an elevator. He could not withstand my behavior of facing him instead of facing the elevator’s door. Facing him disrupted him upon determining where he was going. At first, the man got amazed since we had never met again. The immediate question that he asked me was “who are you?” which signified fear. He later asked me how I could know I got to the top of the elevator since I did not face the front of the elevator. Looking at the behavior of the individual at this juncture I felt that non-verbal communication rules are naturally instilled in the human mind (Knapp & Hall, 2010). The individual was aware like any other person that whenever you get into an elevator you should face in front of the elevator.
Personal space is extremely critical and should be respected. The second Non-verbal communication rule that I broke was “When sitting or standing next to someone (or in the general area) do not invade his or her personal space with your body or your belongings.” (Calero, 2005). This was extremely disturbing to the individual since I blocked his way out with my umbrella on a hot day. The person felt agitated to a point of stammering as he requested for his way out. The rule is clear that no individual is allowed to invade another person’s place or occupation. The individual looked insecure with my behavior. The individual moved aside to try and find a free space. This is an indication that people have conscience that they should enjoy personal space and invasion of their space means insecurity. This affirmed that people will always have non-verbal rules in their mind and they are always set to ensure that they are respected by another person.
Personal image speaks louder than words (Calero, 2005). Upon entry to the elevator the man was rolling his eyes from my gumboots to my head shaking his head. This was an indication that my image had developed a negative attitude in the individual. He could not determine why I had put on a woolen jacket, gumboots, and held an umbrella. To the man I looked to have lost my senses and was out for all odds in the elevator. Therefore, this experience was educative to me in understanding that people have adequate respect for personal image and one may be judged on the basis of what they wear.
Clothing in a certain day creates an image of an individual to other people (Knapp & Hall, 2010). In my case, I was well dressed for a rainy day while it was extremely hot. After disclosing to the man what I was investigating he said to me that he thought I was out of my senses and I was out to distort his peace. He said that putting on heavy clothes and gumboots, and holding an umbrella in a sunny day was the best definition of a mad person. He said if I was to engage in any conversation with him immediately I got into the elevator he could not have considered me serious on my words. This shows that weather or climate is extremely significant in the definition of a communication. As one engages in a communication he or she must be in respect of the current weather or climate.
Although, there are extremely many rules that govern non-verbal communication people are aware of most of them. This experiment was an indication that people will always be out for descent form of communication, which s defined by respect for certain rules.
References
Calero, H. H. (2005). The power of nonverbal communication how you act is more important than what you say. Los Angeles, CA: Silver Lake.
Knapp, M. L., & Hall, J. A. (2010). Nonverbal communication in human interaction (7th Ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
